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    Bhutan Tour of Dragon Kingdom

    8 NIGHTS – 9 DAYS

    PARO – THIMPU – PUNAKHA – BHUMTHANG – GANGTEY

    Bhutan Tour of Dragon Kingdom with Bumthang Valley Extension is designed to witness the cultural and religious aspects of Bhutan plus discover the magical serene natural beauty of the Dragon Kingdom. The tour literally visits important and popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Further, it extends to the wide and scenic valley of Bumthang which consists of four main valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Other features include hike to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’ perched in a vertical cliff. Equally interesting are the visits to Punakha Dzong, Chime Lhakhang, Paro Rinpung Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and hoards of other historical and religious monasteries, temples and shrines. Visit into the Bumthang Valley gives an insight of the Bhutanese rural life. Also, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang is an awe-inspiring. Throughout the journey, enjoy and get mesmerized by the picturesque high passes, deeply-forested valleys, interesting villages, spectacular mountain panorama and experience age old Bhutanese culture and tradition first hand.

    Bhutan Tour of Dragon Kingdom

    1
    Day : Paro – Thimpu (50kms/ 1 ½ Hours)

    Arrival at Paro airport where you will be met and driven to Thimphu which is 1 hour 30 mins away. In the first phase we drive from Paro to Simtokha. En route we pass the Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder-a saint from the 14th /15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains). There’s an orange tree which fruits in the courtyard due to the blessings of the saint and monastery (oranges are not native to that region). We pass Chuzom (Meeting of the rivers or confluence). Bhutanese believe that evil influences gather at such places and hence three shrines have been built on this spot. The shrines have been built in three different styles- Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Vehicles need to register with check post at point. Continue drive to Thimpu. Lying at an elevation of 2320m above sea level the capital of Bhutan is a blend of the traditional and the modern. It is the only capital in the world without streetlights relying instead on the elegant gestures of the traffic policemen. The population of Thimphu stands at around 40,000. Geographically speaking the capital lies in a valley with the Thimphu River running through the valley. Overnight stay.

    2
    Day : Thimpu

    After breakfast visit the Tashichodzong, Dzongs are traditionally built without nails or written plans. The dzong houses the monk body in summer and is the seat of government, the king’s offices are in this dzong. There is a picturesque cantilever bridge below the dzong. You guide will take you to the National Library which houses ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts in a huge traditional building. Each floor has an altar with statue of Bhutan’s most important historical/religious figures. People sometimes go around the building in prayer because the building houses many holy books.

    You can also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, traditionally there are 13 arts and crafts in Bhutan. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. The 13 arts and crafts are Painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold smithing & silver smithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather works and paper works. This school offers live practice lessons to students to master the crafts.

    The bustling weekend market where all Bhutanese buy their groceries etc. also houses a handicraft section. Other sites time permitting should School of Arts and Crafts. Traditionally there are 13 arts and crafts in Bhutan. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. The 13 arts and crafts are Painting, Carpentry, Carving, Sculpture, Casting, Blacksmith, Bamboo works, Gold Smithing & Silver Smithing, Weaving, Embroidery, Masonry, Leather works and paper works. Guests can visit the school to see the students master the crafts. Visit local emporium and handicrafts shops in the town. Overnight stay at hotel.

    3
    Day : Thimpu – Punakha (75kms/ 3hours)

    After breakfast leave for Punakha which is approximately 3 hours away. The drive is in three phases. After reaching we climb from Simtokha to Dochula pass. En route we pass the Simtokha Dzong which is the oldest dzong in Bhutan and which now houses the Institute for language and Culture. At Hongtso there is an immigration checkpoint where we need to register. We also cross Dochula pass (3150m) where on a clear day we can see views of the Himalayas.

    The last phase of the journey is downhill to Punakha valley. En route we pass prayer wheels which are run by flowing water.

    Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the magnificent dzong is situated on an island in the middle of the river. It is also the winter residence of the Central monastic body. It is a climatically a warmer valley than Paro and Thimphu. We can visit the Punakha dzong and short hike to Chimi Lhakhang where many go to pray for progeny. A visit to a traditional Bhutanese village can be arranged so that guests can view life in rural Bhutan. For those desiring more energetic pursuits – hiking to nearby villages can be arranged. Overnight stay at hotel.

    4
    Day : Punakha – Bumthang (215kms/ 6 ½ Hours)

    After an early breakfast drive to Bumthang which is often referred to as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The drive first climbs but then mellows into pleasantly winding roads. We pass chume village, which is known for its yathra weaving- yathra weaving is indigenous to Bumthang and is delightfully woven embroidered cloth. There is another festival in Bumthang, which can be viewed along with the other sights.

    Bumthang is often known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Buddhism was introduced into Bhutan by The Guru Padmasambhava who was invited into Bhutan by a local king of Bumthang. (At that time unified Bhutan under one ruler did not exist as such).

    Walk past a suspension bridge beyond a carved Buddha on a rock to Thankabi Monastery. Thankabi goemba is located amongst fields of buckwheat. The trail continues through meadows and forests (blue pine and scrub bamboo) to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). The valley was originally inhabited by swans which gave the valley its name. A renowned lama (Lama Namkha Samdrup) had a vision of a monastery in that area. He shot an arrow and the monastery was built at the spot the arrow landed. Black-necked cranes winter in the area. Picnic lunch en route if so desired

    There is also plenty of additional sightseeing to be done like visits to the Sey Lhakhang and Chakkar Lhakhang. As Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan via Bumthang this place abounds with religious sites. Overnight stay at hotel.

    5
    Day : Bumthang

    After breakfast sight-seeing tour of Bumthang.

    Ambay Lhakhang is a revered monastery built by the Tibetan King Songsten Goembo. Inside the Lhakhang there are three steps which are said to represent the three ages. One for the age of the historical Buddha, the next the age of the Guru (also the present age) and the last represents the new age. It is believed that when all three steps sink into the earth the world as we know it will end.

    Kurjey Lhakhang: There are three temples dotting this sanctuary. The oldest monastery holds a body print of the Guru on a rock. The first King of Bhutan and the present Queen Mother built the second and the third temples respectively. This monastery complex is revered by the Bhutanese as one of the most sacred sites and there is a spring located just above the monastery complex which is believed to be blessed with curative properties. You could also visit some of the other sites like Tamshing goemba and Mebartsho.

    Tamshing goemba: It is believed that Pema Lingpa built this monastery with the help of fairies. In the main temple there are three thrones – one each for each incarnation of Pema Lingpa (body, mind and speech). In the lower floor is a chian mail armour made by Pema Lingpa and it is believed to be auspicious to carry it around the Goemba three times

    Ura: The picturesque village of Ura lies 2 hours away (one way) from Bumthang proper. It is a quaint village with cobblestone paths and celebrates a festival every spring. Visiting this village will allow our guest to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight stay at hotel.

    6
    Day : Bumthang – Gangtey (155kms/ 4 ½ Hours)

    After breakfast depart for Gangtey. A magnificent drive with many waterfalls alongside the descending road. Phojikha is one of the Baeyuls or hidden valleys where it is believed that one can find refuge. It is also a protected area being the winter home of the black necked crane

    The valley is dominated by the Gangtey monastery which has been restored to its former glory. Visit the Gangtey Goemba which overlooks the valley. The monastery was founded in the 17th century. Overnight stay at hotel.

    7
    Day : Gangtey – Paro (170kms/ 6-7hours)

    After breakfast drive to Paro, start early as it is a long day (drive 6-7hours approx.). Paro valley extends from Jumolhari on the Tibetan border to Chuzom which is the confluence of the Thimphu and Punakha rivers. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

    In the afternoon Start the tour with a visit the Paro Dzong: The correct name of the Dzong is Rinchen Pung Dzong which means fortress on a heap of jewels. The Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly. The Dzong is located on a vantagepoint on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). As with all Dzongs the local administrative and monk body are housed on the premises.

    Later visit National Museum, located above the Paro Dzong in the ancient circular watchtower. The museum consists of six floors dealing with different aspects of Bhutanese culture. The museum also houses a great collection of Thangkhas (embroidered or painted religious hangings). The Tshogshing Lhakhang (the temple of the tree of wisdom) is also located in the museum. You can then walk down to the Paro Dzong for a visit, the correct name of the Dzong is Rinchen Pung Dzong which means fortress on a heap of jewels. The Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly. The Dzong is located on a vantagepoint on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). As with all Dzongs the local administrative and monk body are housed on the premises. Overnight stay.

    8
    Day : Paro

    After breakfast, you will be taken for excursion/hike to Tiger’s Nest.

    The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is built on the where guru Padmasambhava is reputed to have flown to on the back of a Tiger. The monastery is a revered site for the Bhutanese. The walk up to the viewpoint takes roughly two hours and is an uphill climb through alpine forests. LUNCH on the trail or can be eaten at the cafeteria, which provides a good view of the monastery. The monastery was partially destroyed in a forest though restoration works are almost complete. The local people have provided the labour for restoration. Bhutanese believe that participating in the restoration of holy places helps in the accumulation of good merit.

    Drive back to the hotel after the hike and rest of the day is at leisure. You will be tired after the hike to the Tiger’s nest, so you can relax or make a spa appointment. Overnight stay at hotel.

    9
    Day : Paro

    After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your departure to onward destination.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

    No, this is a private travel exclusively for you, your friends and family who may accompany you on the tour.

    Yes, it is possible. But, the cost may be high in case of a single traveler. You may send us information in the form and we shall send you our best offer depending on number of persons in your group or for a single person.

    Yes, since this is a private tour, you may decide the dates as per your choice. Only in case of certain tours, we have to check if there are any operational difficulties for organizing a tour of your choice. Certain tours are not possible for particular period which we shall let you know. Besides, the cost may vary depending on seasonality.

    It is better if you could buy international tickets directly through your local agent or on internet. Although we can provide you international flight tickets, but you may a get a better deal locally.

    No, you have to obtain visa on your own. The visa regulations will depend on your nationality. You may contact us for further details.

    Yes, it is very much possible. You can extend your stay on arrival or departure or at any other place. You may also modify the tour. You may let us know your interest and we can send you modified tour itinerary with cost.

    Our cost normally includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, private air-conditioned car with driver which includes fuel, parking and all taxes, entrance fee to monuments, train tickets if any, guided city tours in English or in other foreign languages, viz French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or other foreign languages subject to availability which we can notify at the time of reservation request. Our cost also includes some other services viz Elephant ride at Amer fort in Jaipur, camel safari in Jaisalmer and boat tour in Varanasi. We shall send you all details at the time of sending you quotation.

    We may also include other services viz lunches, dinners or other services if you wish. We may also exclude guide service and entrance fee to monuments if you so wish.

    Train tickets are included in our cost. But, we give supplement cost for domestic flight tickets as these days, there are dynamic fares and these are not fixed. We send you indicative fare at the time of sending you quotation which is subject to change until issue of tickets with advance purchase for which we need payment from you to issue flight tickets. You may also purchase domestic flight tickets directly on your own if you prefer.

    We provide minimum standard (3 star or similar), superior (4 star or similar), deluxe (5 star or similar) hotels and the cost will depend depending on category of hotels. We can send you quotation for the category that you are interested in. We usually provide heritage or palace hotels which fit in your category of hotels. We may also mix the hotel category if you prefer and can also provide you rates based on hotels of your liking in all places if you like.

    We usually request 25% advance upon confirmation of our services unless otherwise informed at the time of sending you quotation. We shall send you all payment terms at the time of sending you our offer.I am interested.

    Click here to send us information of your trip and we shall send you soonest possible.

    Why StateExpress

    Established in 1980, State Express has been providing most reliable services to travelers all over the world for last 35 years. We are renowned for our customer first approach and unobtrusive efficiency which ensures the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We have been awarded several times by State Government for being best Tour Operator. All aspects of our tours have been carefully researched and then designed to give ultimate experience to travelers. Let our travel knowledge help you to create a wonderful experience, whether on one of our tour itineraries or a tailor made tour itinerary made exclusively for you to give you an unforgettable holiday.

    Our people make the difference

    Our success has been possible because of our people who are our biggest asset. We have a team of highly dedicated, sincere, hardworking who work with integrity that has made State Express one of the leading and most reliable tour companies in India. They not only have expertise and experience to meet any requirement, they also speak foreign languages and trained to offer only the best and leave nothing to chance. We know that travel to Indian sub-continent is a dream of many of our guests and our team does everything possible to make their dream true and give them an experience of their lifetime.

    Our infrastructure

    We have complete infrastructure to provide you best rate and services to you. We are an IATA approved and authorized agents for all domestic airlines and Indian Railways. We have our own cars vans and coaches with experienced drivers. We have multi lingual staff to ensure that our guests do not face any language problem. We also have associate offices in all major tourist centers to provide assistance in shortest possible time.

    Our fleet of vehicles & drivers

    We undoubtedly have one of the best and most modern fleet of cars, vans, 4X4s and large coaches. Surface travel is a very important aspect in India as you spend lot of your time while travelling on the road and therefore given us an edge over other tour companies who have to rely on other transport companies to provide this service to their clients. We have our own garage and all our vehicles are well maintained to give you hassle free journey.

    Besides having the best fleet, it is our drivers who truly make the difference as they play a crucial role in making a tour successful. Even if you stay in best of the hotels and travel in most comfortable and luxurious vehicles, if you do not have a good driver, it may spoil your experience. We have our team of drivers who are part of State Express and have been working with us for years and they are trained, dedicated and motivated to take care of our guests and make them comfortable. That is the reason that more than 90% of our guests thank us and appreciate them after returning to their home.

    Our choice of hotels

    We take utmost care in selection of hotels that we recommend to our clients and include in our list of suggested hotels. We inspect these hotels regularly to be sure of their quality of product and services. We give lot of emphasis on the location and the people who run those hotels. We want to give you clients an experience of heritage and palace hotels which are unique and not available in other part of the world.

    Our tour itineraries

    All our tour itineraries are designed by experts to give you an opportunity to see most wonderful sites in number of days at your disposal at the same time giving you time to explore the places in your own way. We have a number of itineraries to choose from which covers all India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. We also include mode of travel and approximate time taken between places to ensure that you do not have any surprises during the tour. Our specialists will also work with you to create an itinerary of your choice either by modifying our readymade tour itineraries or prepare an exclusive tailor made tour for you based on your interest and liking keeping in mind local conditions.

    24×7 assistance during the tour

    We provide you clients real 24×7 assistance during the tour. This is not a marketing gimmick but we have someone in our office always to assist you in case of any emergency anytime. We also provide cell phone numbers of our executive who you may contact even during odd hours when you need them for anything urgent. We have associate offices in all major cities of India to provide you assistance in minimum possible time.

    Response time

    We know that response time is key to our success and we value it a lot. Even at initial stages before reservation, you will get replies from us in not more than 24 working hours. We shall always be there whenever you need us during the tour.

    Personalised Service

    Apart from professional service, we believe in emphasising on personalised service. That is to make our guests feel at home in a foreign country and also feel that they have friends here who they can trust for any need. Our customer executives remain in constant touch with our guests during the tour to give them comfort and trust that we are always with them.

    Good value for money

    We know that there are so many travel companies providing their services and unless we provide good value for money to our clients, they will not be satisfied. Our own fleet of cars, vans and coaches and best special discounted rates with hotels due to our volumes enables us to offer value for money.

    What our clients say about us

    Good Morning,

    we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so

    . Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;

    . Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;

    . Car good;

    . Guide only in Jaisalmer good;

    . Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots;

    . Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast; we use a ranking from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent):

    Iris Park 2; dirty bathroom with dirty towels, room dirty and uncomfortable (too small, difficult to move inside, put and open the suitcases; breakfast room trivial and food inadequate for european tourists;

    Mandawa Palace 4 for all;

    Lallgarl Palace 4 and no 5 for inadequate breakfast respect to the level of the hotel;

    Mandar Palace 3-4 , room and bathroom no perfectly clean , breakfast inadequate for european tourist and internet didn’t work;

    Krishna Prakas Havei unacceptable; room located in the roof without elevator and with dangerous stairs; room dirty with a door that didn’t close perfectly, bathroom dirty with dirty towels; breakfast room dirty with tablecloth dirty and broken, food trivial and inadequate also for amount;

    Master Paradise 3, cold uncomfortable room without possibility to warm it; bathroom in the average and skinny breakfast;

    Golden Tulip 5 and more, the best

    Atulayaa Tay unacceptable, dirty and small room, dirty bathroom with microscopic sink an a glass wall between the bed, dirty towels, trivial breakfast;

    Meradan Grand 4 for all

    Last hotel in Dehli 4 for room and bathroom also here glass wall between bathroom and the bed but the light didn’t across;

    we suggest, personal opinion, to cancel the hotel with a rank less than 3 and choose others of superior quality ( also if more expensive) because the hotel is important to rest in a daily tour step by step.

    In summary we evaluate very good the experience of our first trip in India and surely we will recommend State Express to our friends.

    Enzo Ferrante

    27 January 2023 

    Hi Rinki,

    Just wanted to say thank you for all the organisation for our India trip. Everything went very smoothly. Our vehicles, drivers and accommodation were all faultless.

    Look forward to our next trip now whenever that may be.

    I’d like to just comment on one thing… please encourage clients to do Chittorgarh as a day trip. The accommodation there must’ve been really good at some point but is quite run down now. They were lovely and very obliging but when we compare the accommodations it wasn’t the best.

    I know I’d said I wanted a night in Chittorgarh but I wasn’t as conversant with availability there as someone who knows the areas more.

    Thank you once again from my mum, massi and I.

    Best wishes and regards to your team,

    Ps. Next visit we must meet!! 🙂

    Priya

    14 January 2023

    Dear Sirs, namaste.
    The journey of my group is over and we have returned to our homes.
    I hope all of you are fine.
    I wish to thank State Express for the usual good assistance. A special thank to Mr Mamlesh Sahu for following my trip through his frequent telephone calls.
    I hope to have the chance to come again.

    Dhanyavad.

    Alfredo Sermasi

    12 December 2022

    Good Morning,

    we are in Rome and none problem in the return trip; I send you an email to add comments and let you know our feedback in details; my wife and I are frequent travelers and have custom to evaluate our trips in all the aspects; so
    • Booking process excellent (rapid, clear and exhaustive answers; we have appreciated the help to obtain the e-visa and the contacts during the tour to know possible problems;
    • Driver excellent (polite, punctual and very expert in the drive), he gave us many suggestions and accompanied us directly to the coach in the Tundla station; the other driver in Varanasi good but should improve his english;
    • Car good;
    • Guide only in Jaisalmer good
    • . Tour organization good for times and the included hotspots; . Hotels: we evaluate the hotels for cleaning and comfort of the room and bathroom and for breakfast;
    we use a ranking from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent): Iris Park 2; dirty bathroom with dirty towels, room dirty and uncomfortable (too small, difficult to move inside, put and open the suitcases; breakfast room trivial and food inadequate for european tourists; Mandawa Palace 4 for all; Lallgarl Palace 4 and no 5 for inadequate breakfast respect to the level of the hotel; Mandar Palace 3-4 , room and bathroom no perfectly clean , breakfast inadequate for european tourist and internet didn’t work; Krishna Prakas Havei unacceptable; room located in the roof without elevator and with dangerous stairs; room dirty with a door that didn’t close perfectly, bathroom dirty with dirty towels; breakfast room dirty with tablecloth dirty and broken, food trivial and inadequate also for amount; Master Paradise 3, cold uncomfortable room without possibility to warm it; bathroom in the average and skinny breakfast; Golden Tulip 5 and more, the best Atulayaa Tay unacceptable, dirty and small room, dirty bathroom with microscopic sink an a glass wall between the bed, dirty towels, trivial breakfast; Meradan Grand 4 for all Last hotel in Dehli 4 for room and bathroom also here glass wall between bathroom and the bed but the light didn’t across; we suggest, personal opinion, to cancel the hotel with a rank less than 3 and choose others of superior quality ( also if more expensive) because the hotel is important to rest in a daily tour step by step. In summary we evaluate very good the experience of our first trip in India and surely we will recommend State Express to our friends. Kindly Regards, Enzo Ferrante
    David & Emily
    8 March 2020
    Good morning Rinki,
    Emily and I are home now, and we would like to thank you for organising what turned out to be a wonderful trip. We enjoyed visiting all the various places, and the hotels were comfortable. People were very friendly and helpful. The pace of the trip was perfect, travelling but not exhausting. The driver Chandra was very good and I would have no issue with recommending him as a driver. He was very polite, punctual, and courteous. We felt he was a very safe driver, and would like to extend our thanks to him as well. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have stayed an extra day or two in Verkala rather than the extra days in Mumbai, but that is as I say with the benefit of hindsight. Once again, thank you so very much for all your help in organising this trip for us, which we will remember fondly for many years to come.
    David & Emily
    8 March 2020
    Dear StateExpress
    To whom it may concern, we are writing you regarding the package booked with andanitravel for the India golden triangle from the 01/03/2020 to the 11/03/2020. On the 4th of March ’20 the staff from the Sher Gary Resort in Road Village Sherpur, Khilchipur, Rajasthan 322001, Ranthanbore, following the Advise from the Government of Rajasthan, invited us to leave the resort and the State of India as soon as possible due to our Italian Nationality. Immediately we contacted the DCM Italy of Rajasthan, Mr Carini, who told us there was a mistake and the Advise number 27 of the 4th of March 2020 was withdrawn with immediate effect. Although we informed on a timely manner the resort staff, we have been asked to leave anyhow. Only after the DCM Italy informed the resort about the mistake, we have been given the opportunity to leave the resort the following morning. All these difficulties, the constant hostility by the people in India despite the advise number 28, the decision made by the State Express emergency contact( Harish Bhatt) to interrupt our trip and the news regarding the spread of COVID-19 in India, induced us to arrange autonomously for a flight back home as soon as possible. At least but not last we kindly ask you to let us know of any official way to provide a positive feedback to the great support, empathy, help, kindness, professionalism, flexibility and special assistant given by the driver Mr Ashok Yadav in the sphere of his competences.
    Anna Caputo, Antonio Caputo, Maria Napolitano, Guida Villani
    7 March 2020

    Hi, Rinki

    Thank you for the trip arrangement. We have enjoyed very much.
    Looking forward to our next trip in India next year and will get in touch with you again.
    Once again, thank you very much for your excellent service.

    Chua Boon Hua

    09 October 2018